The Day Disney Dollars Died

As of May 15, 2015, Disney Dollars are no longer available at the Disney Parks. What began as idea from Disneyland Silhouette Artist, Harry Brice, who told Disneyland President, Jack Lindquist, about "Disney money," Disney Dollars was actual legal currency that was considered actual "cash" accepted at all Disney Parks, Disney Cruise Ships and Disney Stores. There was a lot of work that went into its design and production that included special printing plates to prevent counterfeit copies.

You could ask for special envelopes to protect your Disney money.

Disney Dollars were available in $1, $5, and $10 denominations. It was a one for one exchange, No additional fees. It cost $1 to buy a $1 Disney Dollar. You would purchase them to enhance your Disney Parks experience. Lots of people would purchase Disney Dollars to keep as a souvenir. Before Disney Gift Cards, some would purchase Disney Dollars to give as a gift. There were different designs to commemorate Disney company milestones like Mickey's birthday or big Disney Park anniversaries.

Front view

Back view

Last Thursday, May 12, 2016, it was hastily announced that Disney Dollars would no longer be available after Saturday, May 14, 2016. While they will still be accepted like "cash" at any Disney Parks, Disney Cruise Lines and Disney Stores, they will no longer be available for purchase.

Disney Dollar designed for Mickey Mouse 80th Anniversary

I suspect that Disney Dollars was going through a slow death with decline of people simply not using cash. The rise of credit cards and electronic payments encourage people to not have to carry any kind of cash in their wallets. Disneyland began its 60th Celebration last year and there was no new Disney Dollar design for this big milestone. This announcement was not a big surprise as it just seems like it was coming. Disney Dollars are now just another chapter for the Disney Parks history.

There are plenty of Disney Dollar collectors out there who have collections to share or want to complete a particular Disney Dollar set. Disney Dollars remain available through eBay sellers. If you want to learn more about Disney Dollars, check out the video below or visit this unofficial website that can answer most of your Disney Dollar questions. They have some past designs to view, too.

Jack Lindquist receives much of the credit for the creation and marketing of Disney Dollars. Listen to Disney Avenue's interview with Lindquist and you can hear him talk about Disney Dollars (listen at around 42:00). Lindquist recently passed away this past February.